Statement by the High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini on the formation of a new government in Lebanon

On the 19 December 2016, Frederica Mogherini wished to congratulate Prime Minister Saad Hariri for announcing the members of the new Lebanese Council of Ministers. This was another key moment towards the full functioning of State institutions in Lebanon that reflected the responsibility and openness for compromise shared by all parties and which are hallmarks of Lebanon's democratic tradition.

The Lebanese people and the international community would had high expectations for the new government whose success would be determined by its capacity to address the major challenges it faces particularly by adopting the necessary institutional, economic and social measures.

The European Union and Lebanon would therefore continue to work closely together, towards a stable, safe and democratic Lebanon and towards peace, security and prosperity for the whole region, faced with the many serious challenges the Middle East is facing, notably in Syria.